From Moscow to Washington, we are told that the principle enemy in the Middle East is the Islamic State (IS) terrorist organization. At the same time, the outside powers that have intervened in … more

I can always count on my husband being late. Most of the time, it’s really not his fault, as I know he has absolutely no concept of time — unless it has to do with his beloved New … more

As Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan assumed near-dictatorial powers following his dubious victory in a constitutional referendum on April 16, Andrew Brunson, a Christian pastor from North … more

In the age of Trump, the unusual has become the norm. But what happens when the usual is treated as the unusual? What happens when behaviors considered typical going back decades are distorted by … more

With Pesach just three weeks away, I’ve begun the annual clean out the freezer and use up the chametz routine. It is not that easy to use up half-used boxes of pasta or cereal or oatmeal in … more

In his essay “The Community” (Tradition, 17:2), Rabbi Joseph B. Soloveitchik underscored the dignity of each individual: “To recognize a person is not just to identify him … more

Last week I presented an excellent essay, Achieving Kavana: Praying from the Heart, by Rookie Billet, featured in a new prayerbook, Siddur Avodat Halev (Rabbinical Council of America, 2018). This … more

A Talmudic passage (Sotah 11a) offers a scenario relating to Pharaoh’s decision to enslave the Israelites and murder their male babies. “Said Rabbi Chiya son of Abba in the name … more

Reuma Eldar of The Voice of Israel radio has passed away. She truly was the voice of Israel. I was raised on her melodious voice. For early risers, her brother was equally famous for the Shema … more

Parashat Behar tells us that “G-d said to Moshe at Mt. Sinai, ‘Speak to the Israelites and say to them that when you come to the land that I am giving you, the land will rest a … more